If you’re a regular listener to Integrate & Ignite, you know that I am fascinated by people with vision, by entrepreneurs who take ideas and turn them into something bigger, into something that helps others and that can even change the world. The art, the science, and the alchemy of the two that fuel these amazing leaders is inspiring. That’s why, in just about every episode of the podcast, I start out by asking my guest about their entrepreneurial spirit; what defines it and what drives it.
I have learned over the years hosting the podcast and interviewing some of the country’s most innovative business leaders, that there is no one answer to the question, “what makes a successful entrepreneur?” Some answer that it’s focus and determination. Others say it’s creativity, big ideas, and innovation. For some, being at the helm of a startup comes naturally; a nine-to-five grind is simply not for them. For others, becoming an entrepreneur and running their own business came about unexpectedly.
If I were to come up with a list of characteristics one would need to make it in this entrepreneurial game, I would list qualities such as passion, clarity of purpose, relentless determination, a belief in yourself and your vision, an open mind, and a sky’s the limit focus.
One of my guests on Integrate & Ignite, Eric Wallace of Left Hand Brewing Company, put it this way: “We’re one part idealistic and one part pragmatic and one part innovative and one part box breaking and one part willing to learn and one part recognizing we can’t do it all. It’s a lot of different things.”
True!
But, for me and for my team at Avocet, entrepreneurialism – having a vision and seeing it through, which is something we help our clients do every day – is about asking yourself one simple question. “Why not?” It’s about not being constrained by fear or limited by convention. It’s about seeing the BIG picture and all it CAN be, and going after it.
Our clients represent some of the bravest visionaries I know. They inspire me and I am thankful every day to be able to be apart of their journeys.
Listen to Jon’s podcast here to see how passion, creativity, and innovation can fuel the entrepreneur in you.
